No Sign of Eruption in Öræfajökull

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No Sign of Eruption in Öræfajökull

Geophysicist Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson says there is no evidence of an eruption in Öræfajökull glacier. RÚV reports. Data shows that there is geothermal heat in the area.

Öræfajökull hasn‘t erupted for nearly 300 years, but recent weeks have shown increased activity in the area. A new caldera emerged in the glacier a week ago.

Yesterday, geophysicist and CEO of Iceland Geosurvey Ólafur Flóvenz claimed that an eruption was most likely taking place in Öræfajökull and that the magma had most likely reached the surface. Magnús Tumi is very sceptical.

“We find that highly unlikely. These ponderings make a lot of sense, but when all conditions of Öræfajökull are examined, considering everything that’s happened before, this interpretation is very unlikely because there isn’t anything that supports it, but a lot that argues against it.”

Magnús Tumi nevertheless believes it likely that magma is gathering in Öræfajökull’s roots. The area will continue to be under high surveillance.